Holden Doctor Infected With Ebola Improving

Rick Sacra has been using a video conference system to visit with his wife, Debbie. (Photo courtesy: Nebraska Medical Center)

OMAHA, Neb. (CBS) — The Massachusetts doctor being treated for the Ebola virus in Nebraska is improving, doctors said Monday.

Dr. Rick Sacra, 51, of Holden, was flown to the Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska on Sept. 5 for treatment in their specialized 10-bed isolation unit.

In a statement released through the hospital Monday, Sacra’s wife Debbie said he still gets tired very easily, but he’s becoming mentally sharper.

“He’s been able to have long conversations with several people he’s close to,” Debbie Sacra said.

“He spoke with his pastor at Holden Chapel in our hometown of Holden, Mass. along with a colleague of his in Liberia, Dr. John Fankhouser. Staff members have also commented on how talkative he’s becoming.”

The staff is trying to find ways to keep him entertained inside his room in the biocontainment unit.

“They’ve brought in some books and a chess board, so that’s been helpful,” Debbie said.

“Someone also brought in a Nerf hoop, which Rick discovered he might need a lot more practice with. Fortunately, he still has plenty of time to sharpen those skills,” she joked.